Sign up for free BQA certification training
BROOKINGS — Livestock producers take pride in selling safe and wholesome products. Through Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification programs cattlemen and dairymen are able to inform consumers of their efforts to implement and maintain best management practices that minimize defects or residues in beef and dairy products, explained Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Extension Associate.
“The broad range of topics covered in order to receive BQA Certification shows consumers that livestock producers are committed to being responsible stewards of the animals they raise and conscientious of the safety and quality of the products these animals produce,” Carroll said.
Free BQA Training
Free BQA online certification training modules, offered through the Kansas State Beef Cattle Institute, are available in October to livestock producers through a sponsorship by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. This online training will complete Level 1 BQA training for S.D. producers.
To access the BQA online training, visit http://BQA.org/team.
These online modules contain slide shows and video footage on many topics presented by industry experts on livestock handling and husbandry practices, Carroll explained. “What is great about these online modules is that livestock producers can work at their own pace and schedule, and once you start a module, you can leave and come back starting at where you left off” she said.
Upon completion of the online training, South Dakota livestock producers can work with the S.D. Beef Industry Council to develop, or update a Site Plan and Treatment Plan for their operation. Once these plans are completed and approved, Carroll said the producer will receive their Level 2 BQA certification.
In South Dakota, Level 2 BQA certification is required in order for livestock producers to market their calves as such.
For more information on any aspect of the BQA certification process or Level 2 BQA certification, contact Carroll at 605-688-6623 heidi.carroll@sdstate.edu.
To learn more, visit iGrow.org.